What’s next in choosing the next MP? A nomination contest!

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My announcement last week that I will not seek re-election in 2015 was unanticipated by the community.

While the decision was a family one, the short notice for its announcement allows for a level playing field for the people thinking of becoming their party’s 2015 candidate in Kingston and the Islands.

By level playing field, I mean that nobody knew in advance and so nobody had an advantage in their party nomination contest.

In the next six months or so, all parties must hold contests to nominate their candidate for the 2015 election.

I encourage you to immediately consider who might make a good MP and urge him or her to consider becoming a nomination contestant, or, consider yourself!

Contestants don’t need name recognition. They do need a good answer to the question, “Why do you want to be the Member of Parliament for Kingston and the Islands?”. Also they need sufficient time to devote to recruiting many hundreds of people who are individually willing to purchase memberships in the party, and will show up to vote.

I will be happy to talk to all who are seriously interested in running for MP in the next election and contesting their party’s nomination.

I will be remaining neutral in the nomination campaigns, except that I will have an interest in seeing fair, open and democratic contests. Nomination contests are an important part of the Canadian democratic process that most people don’t know about. Please consider joining a political party of your choice, and participating in a nomination contest! For more information, your party’s local riding association is your first stop.